§ Mr. Fairgrieveasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken to establish whether whales, dolphins and basking sharks are being caught by Norwegian vessels in British waters; what legislation exists to control such activities; and what is the machinery for its enforcement.
§ Mr. BishopI have been asked to reply.
Until 31st December 1984, Norwegian vessels have rights to access for fishing for basking sharks up to the six-mile 128W limit of our 12-mile fisheries zone around the eastern and northern coasts of Scotland and the Shetland Isles. No legislation exists to control such fishing, although were regulation necessary steps could be taken through the machinery of the International Whaling Commission. No whales or dolphins are caught by Norwegian vessels within United Kingdom fishing limits.